As soon as the Writers Guild announced its strike on May 2, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed their concern and support for resolving the issue. Mayor Bass emphasized the importance of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles and its role in creating middle-class jobs. She encouraged all parties to come together and find an agreement that protects the industry and the families it supports. Governor Newsom stated that he would be willing to intervene if both sides were interested and willing to engage in discussions, acknowledging the direct and indirect consequences of the strike.
However, nearly two months later, as SAG-AFTRA nears its negotiation deadline with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom have yet to publicly re-engage or actively push for a resolution. While some members of the Los Angeles and New York City councils have introduced resolutions calling for the AMPTP to restart talks in good faith, the political intervention seen during the 2007-2008 strike has been notably absent.
Top Hollywood attorney Ken Ziffren, who helped resolve the 2007-2008 strike, would face challenges in navigating the current strike due to his recently closed deal with the Directors Guild of America (DGA). The WGA rank-and-file has criticized the DGA deal, making it difficult for Ziffren to act as a neutral mediator. Speculation regarding potential intermediaries has centered on Disney CEO Bob Iger representing the studios, but no consensus has been reached regarding a representative for the writers.
The strike has already had significant repercussions, with many production activities coming to a halt. FilmLA, a non-profit group that tracks film shoots in Los Angeles County, has announced a reduction in its hours of operation due to the decline in permit volume and on-location filming. This reduction reflects the overall impact on the industry and the subsequent economic effects on various businesses and individuals.
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Timing is crucial for political intervention in stalled negotiations. Intervening too early can be seen as meddling, while waiting too long can worsen the situation, making it harder to find a resolution. The 2007 strike demonstrated that the consequences of the strike, such as the economic impact on restaurants, hairdressers, and dry cleaners, can push the parties involved to the negotiation table. These indirect effects should not be underestimated.
Labor diplomacy experts emphasize the importance of trust and neutral third parties in sealing deals. Proxies who are respected and trusted by both sides can help rebuild bridges and facilitate honest conversations about each side’s interests. In the past, City Hall has been a venue that has brought parties together in other labor disputes, such as the Port of Los Angeles dockworkers’ union and the Pacific-Maritime Association.
During the 2007 Broadway stagehand strike in New York, Mayor Mike Bloomberg offered Gracie Mansion as a meeting place for the parties involved. Although he did not directly involve himself in the negotiations, he encouraged all sides to communicate and find a resolution for the sake of Broadway and the surrounding businesses.
On a national level, the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service (FMCS) can provide facilitators to help solve private-sector labor disputes if both sides request their assistance. During the 2007 strike, the WGA and AMPTP agreed to involve an FMCS mediator before the strike began. Governor Newsom expressed hope that the current strike would not extend beyond the previous 100-day duration, but that deadline has already passed, underscoring the need for timely intervention.
Although former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who also acted during the 2007 strike, has not responded to requests for comment, his recent success in the streaming series “FUBAR” raises questions about the potential impact of the strike on future productions.
In conclusion, while Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom initially expressed their concern and support for resolving the writers’ strike, their active involvement has yet to materialize. The absence of political intervention can be attributed to various factors, including the complexity of the strike, the challenges faced by potential intermediaries, and the need to find the right timing for effective intervention. However, the strike’s impact on the industry and the broader economy underscores the importance of finding a resolution in a timely manner.
